Principal GPU AI Kernel Development Engineer at Qualcomm
San Diego, CA
$202,300–$303,500from the description
Jun 30, 2026
San Diego, CA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A senior GPU engineering role focused on architecting, designing, implementing, and optimizing the performance and power of GPU cores. Day-to-day work spans building functional model simulations, developing driver and compiler software, leading complex graphics test efforts, and producing technical documentation. The position involves supervising direct reports and collaborating with cross-functional and external stakeholders, suiting an experienced GPU engineer ready to take on significant technical and organizational responsibility.
Senior level · 8+ years · San Diego, CA · Bachelor's required · Full-time
Posted 2 times — it's one opening, so apply once.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
Why we read it this way (7)
The job title contains no explicit seniority level word, so advertised seniority is Unspecified; however, the scope (critical decision-making, direct reports, org-wide influence, 8+ years minimum) firmly supports Senior.
The role sits at the boundary between a hands-on GPU software engineering IC role (15-1252) and a people-management role (11-3021): the posting mentions 'provides supervision to direct reports' and a preferred qualification of '4+ years in a technical leadership role with direct reports,' but the bulk of duties are deeply technical (driver/compiler development, simulation, verification). 15-1252 was chosen as the primary SOC; 15-1299 is noted as an alternative given the specialized GPU hardware/software hybrid nature.
The minimum experience requirement is 8 years with a Bachelor's, 7 years with a Master's, or 6 years with a PhD. The 8-year figure (lowest-degree path) is used for the overall years minimum.
GPU experience (2+ years) is listed under Preferred Qualifications, not the minimum requirements section.
The posting does not specify a city; San Diego, CA is inferred as Qualcomm's primary headquarters location.
Compensation is stated as an annual pay range of $202,300–$303,500, plus discretionary bonus and RSU grants.
Ignored 4 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): GPU architecture, GPU driver development, GPU compiler development, graphics performance optimization.
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